Boryspil International Airport is hoping to double its passenger numbers in the coming years, led by the transit markets and outbound leisure, Routesonline has been told.

Recently appointed CEO Pavlo Riabikin, speaking during Routes Europe 2017, explained that the airport’s growth has been rapid following a period of political instability in the region.

“After the shock with the war, we have shown strong growth for the last two years,” he said. “Last year we hit a new record number of passengers.

“We are expecting to grow by 25-30 percent this year. This year we should reach ten million passengers, which is very symbolic for us. In cooperation with carriers we believe we can double this in the next five to six years.”

Riabikin said the growth has primarily come from transit passengers, but more recently point-to-point has also accelerated.

“What we saw last year is growth in Europe and summer destinations. It’s primarily outbound leisure to Turkey, Egypt and Emirates."